There’s been a lot of talk about a Sac vs. Bay tournament, and from the sound of things, there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to happen. Two regions, some terrific players, a little regional pride, and the opportunity for some serious bragging rights.

Naturally, we’re already arguing about who’s allowed to play.

“Why is THAT guy on the Bay Area team?”

“Since when does SHE represent Sacramento?”

“Doesn’t he live somewhere else?”

Good grief. Are we organizing a pool tournament or redrawing congressional districts?

Apparently, before anyone can break a rack, we need to establish precisely where Sacramento ends and the Bay Area begins. Which raises an interesting question: Who gets to draw that line? And do we need a committee? Public hearings? Perhaps a ruling from the Supreme Court?

I seem to remember learning how to pick teams in grade school. We’d line up, choose sides, and play kickball. Nobody asked for proof of residency. Nobody cared whether Billy lived three blocks away or on the other side of town. We just wanted to play, beat the other team, and enjoy the occasional satisfaction of watching Billy miss the ball entirely.

Apparently, we’ve gotten considerably more sophisticated since then. I’m not convinced that’s an improvement.

Look at the Mosconi Cup. It’s one of the most exciting events in professional pool. USA versus Europe, packed crowds, passionate fans, and enough national pride to power a small country.

And what do people argue about? Whether Fedor Gorst, who was born in Russia, should be representing Team USA.

Seriously. One of the best players on the planet, and we’re debating his birthplace.

Do we really want to bring that same nonsense to a regional tournament? Or could we maybe show everyone how it’s done?

Imagine building something that people actually look forward to every year. Sacramento versus the Bay Area. A little trash talk, some friendly wagers, plenty of laughs, and some great competition. The kind of event where players want to participate and spectators actually want to show up.

And why stop there?

If we get this right, maybe other regions will follow suit. Los Angeles versus San Diego. Portland versus Seattle. Eventually, maybe California versus Nevada. Imagine the possibilities.

Of course, somebody will inevitably complain that a player on Team Nevada was born in Fresno. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

I’m all for fair competition. Establish the format, pick the teams, fill the remaining spots through qualifiers, and let’s get on with it. We don’t need to turn a friendly rivalry into a geopolitical dispute.

These events should be about the people, the competition, and the game we all love. We already have enough arguments about rules, handicaps, equipment, and whether that last shot was actually a foul.

Do we really need to start checking driver’s licenses, too?

I’d much rather spend my time watching great players compete, cheering for my friends, and giving the Sacramento team a hard time.

And if Sacramento wins?

Well, obviously, we’ll need to investigate where their players live.

I’m kidding.

Mostly. 😉